When it’s on: 11 – 22 March, 2018Perfect for: Anyone with a love of the ocean (and a soft spot for Point Break).Event must-do: Snag a spot on the grassy hill of Snapper Rocks and watch the action from above.

2. Cooly Rocks On

Step back in time to when hoop skirts and Mustangs were bang on trend. That’s right, you’re heading back to the ’50s and ’60s at the Cooly Rocks On Festival in Coolangatta.

With free entertainment, markets, a street parade, and retro cars to check out, there’s plenty of old-fashion fun to be had.Stay a little longer with this 48-hour guide to Coolangatta.

When it’s on: 6-10 June, 2018Perfect for: Those who can remember the old days (or wish they were born earlier)!Event must-do: Watch as perfectly-groomed canines strut their stuff in the Poodle Parade.

Over three days in July, you can enjoy live country tunes from outdoor venues around Broadbeach, with over 100 shows from some of country music’s biggest names.

When it’s on: 27-29 July, 2018Perfect for: Closet Billy Ray Cyrus fans and anyone who appreciates live music.Event must-do: Wander the streets of Broadbeach to take in the entertaining fusion of country and coast and please remember, the festival streets are ”no drinking zones’.

4. Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival

Don’t feel blue! Head down to Broadbeach for four huge days of live music and entertainment that will, yup you guessed it, cost you nothing!

When it’s on: 17-20 May, 2018Perfect for: Everyone – the festival streets are ”no drinking zones’, however, some venues may have age restrictions.Event must-do: Spread the love by checking out all 20 stages and venues of the festival.

5. TV Week Logie Awards Red Carpet

Get up close and score an autograph or two from the television stars of Australia at the TV Week Logie Awards red carpet, held at The Star Gold Coast. It’s the first time the awards are being held in Queensland, stealing the spotlight from its previous Melbourne digs.

Although getting in the doors will cost you, there’s plenty of brag-worthy selfie-ops outside that’ll convince your mates you got to hang with the stars, for free!

When it’s on: July 2018Perfect for: Anyone who has ever wished they were on The Bachelor.Event must-do: Get a selfie with your Australian TV idol!

6. Bleach* Festival

The Gold Coast’s signature arts and cultural festival takes the form of Bleach*, where the city’s coastal lifestyle is celebrated through music, dance, performance, and art.

Running during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, this year’s festival will be even bigger than usual, taking over the public spaces of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. Think circus performers, dancers from all genres, live music, and public art installations.

When it’s on: 29 March – 15 April, 2018Perfect for: Art and culture lovers, and those enjoying GC2018.Event must-do: Wander the bustling streets and be entertained for hours on end.

7. Festival 2018

In conjunction with Bleach*, Festival 2018 will be coming to the precincts of the Gold Coast during GC2018. As the official arts and culture entertainment, the festival has an epic lineup of public performances that will fill the streets for the duration of the games.

Not only is Festival 2018 held on the Gold Coast, it’s being spread across the other games cities including Brisbane, Townsville, and Cairns. You don’t have to have a games ticket to attend either – it’s free for the whole town!

When it’s on: 4-15 April, 2018Perfect for: Art and culture lovers, and those enjoying the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.Event must-do: Lose yourself in the musical production The Spirit of Churaki, inspired by Goodjingburra man and the Gold Coast’s first lifesaver, Churaki.

8. Swell Sculpture Festival

Over 10 days every September, a (free) visit to Currumbin Beach is like no other, with giant sculptures bursting out of the sand everywhere you turn.

When it’s on: 14-23 September, 2018Perfect for: Did anyone say perfect first date?Event must-dos: Book into a free photography workshop, listen to live music, and grab a map and follow the sculptures aclong Currumbin Beach.

9. Surfers Paradise LIVE

Pack your festival (and beach) gear and head to Surfers Paradise – you’re going to a music festival!

Delivering a taste of different music genres from rock to pop, you can move around multiple stages to choose your own musical adventure through Surfers Paradise.

When it’s on: 3-6 May, 2018Perfect for: All music lovers.Event must-do: Stick around for the headlining acts to experience the height of the festival vibes.

BRISBANE

10. Brisbane Festival

Experience Brisbane with festival buzz, colourful decorations, and culture bursting from all directions.

We’re talking about the Brisbane Festival, of course, when the city lights up with markets, live music and entertainment, and the grand Riverfire extravaganza (an epic fireworks display), which, we might add, is totally free to watch.

11. World Science Festival Brisbane

While most activities within the festival line-up come with a fee (like the world premiere of a live concert version of Close Encounters of the Third Kind or an intimate audience with Dr Karl), you’re free to wander the Street Science stalls in South Bank Parklands, to bend your mind on all things robots to drones, spiders to fossils and more.

12. Regional Flavours

Get a taste of Queensland at Regional Flavours in South Bank in Brisbane, where the food requires some dosh (totally worth it), but entry, entertainment and demonstrations from experts and celebrity chefs won’t cost a dime.

Watch as drool-worthy masterpieces are made in front of your eyes, sample produce and meet the makers from all over Queensland, and kick back with a drink while watching some live music.

When it’s on: 21-22 July, 2018Perfect for: Anyone with an appetite for top-notch local produce.Event must-do: Score some cooking tips and recipes from the experts at one of the 50 demonstrations.

14. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

While the food and wine festival isn’t free, you can wander amongst the colourful flowerbeds to your heart’s content, watch the Grand Central Floral Parade, and visit Sideshow Alley for some fairy floss and a ride or two.

Can’t get enough of the sweet florals? Check out this guide to find out more about the colourful carnival.

When it’s on: 21-30 September, 2018Perfect for: The whole family – not just those with a penchant for pretty posies.Event must-do: Surround yourself with the colours and fragrances of the flower displays in Queens Park.

SUNSHINE COAST

15. Goomeri Pumpkin Festival

Home to the Great Australian Pumpkin Roll, the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is sure to make you fall head over heels for the humble orange vegetable.

About an hours drive from Gympie, the weird and wacky festival is obsessed with everything you can create from a pumpkin – from scones, pie, and soup. There’s even a pumpkin pageant!

When it’s on: 27 May, 2018Perfect for: Pumpkin lovers of all ages.Event must-do: Cheer on your pumpkin at the Great Australian Pumpkin Roll.

When it’s on: 10-17 March, 2018Perfect for: Anyone who has ever wanted to throw up some ‘shakas’ and not look out of place doing it.Event must-do: Catch the Body Bash divisions where competitors bust out plenty of wacky positions while surfing.

GLADSTONE REGION

20. Captain Cook Festival

Commemorating the landing of Lieutenant James Cook into Bustard Bay at 1770 on 24 May, the Captain Cook Festival is filled with live music, dance performances, market stalls, and amusement rides.

Unfortunately, entry into the festival grounds isn’t free. However, it doesn’t cost a cent to watch the colourful street parade on the Saturday, with a free fireworks display that night. Spend the rest of your time exploring the town with this guide.

When it’s on: 25-27 May, 2018Perfect for: History lovers and anyone lured by the Town of 1770’s charms.Event must-do: Check out the street parade, which follows a different theme every year.

Author

Despite moving to the big smoke of Brisbane after growing up on the coast of Central Queensland, Emily is still a small country town girl at heart. A lover of sunshine and all things sweet, on a weekend it's a sure bet you can find Emily at the beach savouring a cookies and cream ice-cream.